news - FMO Signs Declaration of Amsterdam

Today, CEO a.i. Linda Broekhuizen, alongside David Pollard of Workplace Pride Amsterdam, signed the Declaration of Amsterdam, both committing and reinforcing FMO to holding itself to the highest standards and practices to ensure an inclusive, diverse workplace for all. Together with our revised Diversity & Inclusion Commitment Statement, the Declaration of Amsterdam ensures FMO’s utmost commitment to reaching our goals and broadcasting our intentions in encouraging and fostering LGBTIQ+ inclusion—not only in the workplace, but towards all of our stakeholders.

One of our core values is diversity, as well as holding ourselves to the highest possible standards through maintaining our integrity. Signing the Declaration of Amsterdam signals FMO’s ambition to truly embody the same values we preach--because LGBTIQ+ rights are human rights.

The Declaration of Amsterdam is a 10-point list of ideal working environments for LGBTIQ+ inclusion in the workplace. Designed to inspire and challenge employers, it is also a concrete guide based upon management language, setting clear goals, and encouraging sustainability for LGBTIQ+ workplace inclusion wherever organizations have activities around the world. By signing this declaration, we are announcing to the world that we believe in a workplace where all LGBTIQ+ persons—no matter where on the spectrum they fall—can be themselves and are striving to make this happen in our organization.

Maite Pina Arques, Board Member of BYou, FMO’s internal employee network for LGBTIQ+ employees, said, “We feel proud to be part of FMO, and we believe that signing the Declaration will further raise awareness inside and outside FMO.  It will show that FMO respects and values equality for all and is not afraid to show leadership and set an example, which is now more than ever more important.

“We look forward to the day when showing support to this cause is no longer necessary, when we are a truly inclusive society and coming out is redundant. When everyone lives in complete freedom to say who they are safely and without any fear. We see this event as another step on FMO’s route to inclusion and diversity, but we know the road ahead is long and winding.”

FMO will continue to work with Workplace Pride Amsterdam in their three-step process for ensuring a workplace that goes above and beyond creating a safe, inclusive working environment for all employees. The first step, commitment, was taken today. The second step, evaluation, will follow soon; members of Workplace Pride will conduct an evaluation of FMO to identify any improvements we can make to our current working environment. The third step, progress, will be an ongoing working relationship with Workplace Pride through their Learning and Development Program, which will focus on continuously fostering an inclusive workplace for all colleagues.

For more information on the Declaration of Amsterdam, please visit Workplace Pride’s site here: https://workplacepride.org/declaration-of-amsterdam/

About Workplace Pride

Based in Amsterdam, Workplace Pride’s activities include both the Netherlands and many countries around the world. We strive, using over a decade’s experience and accumulated knowledge to push the boundaries of LGBTIQ+ inclusion in the workplace.

Awareness raising, measurement, research, training and network building through targeted events are the pillars of the Foundation’s work. Complementing these are specific programs for young LGBTIQ+ people and LGBTIQ+ women alongside custom-made training.